What opportunities does European integration open up: Horizon Europe, LIFE, and other EU support programs? What awaits Ukrainian SMEs and business support organizations (BSOs) in the context of Ukraine's accession to the EU? How can Ukrainian BSOs work with key EU institutions?
Ukraine is currently in the process of negotiations for EU accession. Even at this stage, before obtaining full membership in the European Union, Ukrainian businesses can accelerate their integration into the EU Single Market. Accounting for 15% of global GDP and nearly 450 million consumers, the EU represents one of the world’s largest economic areas, with the free movement of goods, people, services, and capital across 27 member states. The prospect of integrating Ukrainian producers into this market brings both opportunities and challenges. Yet above all, it offers clear rules of the game and established support mechanisms. A key role in supporting SMEs belongs to industry associations, clusters, and business support organizations. These actors can serve as multipliers of knowledge, channels for information dissemination, guides to European programs, and ambassadors of their members’ interests, both in cooperation with the government and in the context of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.
As part of the EU4Business: SME Policies and Institutions Support (SMEPIS) project, implemented by Ecorys in a consortium with GIZ Ukraine, the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO), and Civitta, with financial support from the European Union, the Civitta Ukraine team is launching the Month of Capacity Building for Business Support Organizations.
From April 30 to May 30, 2025, we will carry out an information campaign and a series of events titled to enhance the expertise and effectiveness of BSOs on the path to EU accession and to foster partnerships with European institutions. Information partners of the program include Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and EasyBusiness NGO.
Join the events and get a chance to participate in a Study Tour to the EU. At the end of the “Doing Business in the EU: The Month of Capacity Building for Business Support Organizations” program, 15 participants will have the opportunity to visit one of the European countries to establish connections with local institutions and organizations.
7 lectures and training sessions for representatives of business support organizations, delivered by leading experts and practitioners in European integration and business development. The events will be held online, accompanied by freely available useful content for business communities. This knowledge package will help business associations and support organizations strengthen their expertise on all key aspects of the opportunities and challenges faced by Ukrainian SMEs in the process of EU integration.
1 month | 7 events | 9 training | 12 educational modules | Study tour to EU
The program is for:
- Business support organizations: associations, clusters, professional unions, and communities;
- Leaders and members of business associations, heads of associations, cluster managers, and SME development experts who provide support to businesses.
Important: Registration is mandatory and will be required separately for each event.
Doing Business in the EU Program
Events agenda:
Event 1: April 29, 2025
- Ukraine-EU Accession: Key Stages and Stakeholders
- Register until April 29 at: https://forms.gle/jfxDMHh83JNg15NP6
Event 2 | May 1, 2025
- EU Structural Funds, Ukraine Facility and Public-Private Dialogue: Instruments for Support and Advocacy for SMEs
Event 3: May 6, 2025
- Ukrainian SME Integration into the EU Single Market: Challenges and Opportunities
Event 4 | May 8, 2025
- Existing SME Support Instrument and SME Access to Finance
Event 5 | May 13, 2025
- Digital Transformation and Green Transition: Action Plan for Ukrainian SMEs
Event 6 | May 15, 2025
- Financing opportunities for Ukrainian BSOs
Event 7 | May 20, 2025
- Case Studies of Horizon Europe and LIFE Programs
